Just recently, a video of West Bengal Governor La Ganesan pushing aside ace footballer Sunil Chhetri as he was coming in the way of him and the camera sparked outrage online. It also started a much-needed discussion about how Indian officials treat sportspersons who are not famous cricketers. The Governor would have never treated Virat Kohli or M.S. Dhoni the same way.
However, an incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur has come to light which has shocked Indians all the more. Over 200 players competing in the under-17 women’s kabaddi state-level tournament were served food inside the stadium toilet, reported Republic.
A video of the disgusting incident went viral on social media. Have a look:
In UP's Saharanpur, video of players attending the state level girl's U-16 Kabaddi tournament being served food kept on the floor of toilet at the sports stadium has surfaced.
Video by @sachingupta787 pic.twitter.com/12dYRlMofH
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) September 20, 2022
The players were served rice, dal and curry and were made to sit on the floor of the toilet and have their meals. The tournament in question had begun in September 16.
Speaking about the incident, Olympic bronze medal-winning wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt said, “It is unfortunate that women players are being treated like this. Ensure such an incident must not be repeated. This is a heart-wrenching video, and I want strict actions to be taken.”
Innumerable people online were left aghast by the inhumane treatment meted out to our sportspersons and questioned the authorities. Here’s a look:
This is very shocking. Absolutely inhumane and is an act of outraging the dignity. https://t.co/w0CwwhuRKK
— Sunil K Chaturvedi (@advskchaturvedi) September 20, 2022
Such a shame! Can’t provide basic facilities to our sportspersons but expect them to win medals for the state/nation. Hope @UPGovt takes immediate action and sacks the officials responsible for this. https://t.co/wVgqaM1FY4
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) September 20, 2022
Shame and people ask where is olympic medals. https://t.co/2H6VlLx1E5
— Dr. Pankaj bagde (@drpankajbagde) September 20, 2022
It only shows how insensitive people from this part of the world are towards fellow human beings.. https://t.co/WcqTAdsBku
— SAGAR UTAGI (@utagisagar) September 20, 2022
Women breaking another glass ceiling by entering the toilet for men https://t.co/5HNN4a2ODD
— Pyaar Se Mario (@SquareGas) September 20, 2022
This is too much..!! The mentality of waking up if someone wins gold medal will keep India always at the bottom of the world. Respect sports and sports aspirants. https://t.co/nuBgwkmo67
— Pratheek (@mpratheek) September 20, 2022
After much outrage by our fellow citizens, a probe was launched into the matter. The district sports officer, Animesh Saxena, has been suspended with immediate effect. He had previously denied the allegations.
The authorities need to introspect deeply on how they are treating our athletes who might win laurels for the country tomorrow.